Before the other shoe drops

I haven't written much about how nonprofit organizations are handling layoffs- but this blog entry is exemplary of what is happening to many people in industries all over the world, but will probably lead some substantial shifts in arts organizations in this region. Are non-profits bloated, and the layoffs correcting this problem? Do nonprofits need to reevaluate their structures- to still hire and train quality people, pay them a living wage and pay-it forward in their communities? Is the industry as a whole going through a purge- because we only have the highest concentration of arts organizations for a city our size?

I for one, appreciate the value our organizations add to our communities and culture, and want them to be responsible- with regard to their practice of hiring, training and growing dedicated nonprofit workers. I know many people who have quaked about layoffs- and I, myself have not been immune. Let's hope we get through these times, with the strength of communities and reevaluating how we can run strong organizations.

Best of luck!

The white noise is deafening

I am sorry I have been negligent in posting items this month- I have been busy working on arts related items, but mostly shuffling personal/ professional obligations. A few (blog related items) up for offer...

I have joined the board for this amazing little theater that can.

I realized I graduate from this Masters program six months sooner than I had anticipated.

I am working with my Dad on some Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn workshops- sign up here for amazing 3 hour workshops about Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn for nonprofit organizations.

I missed a great arts event this week- but suggest you sign up for updates here so you can make the upcoming events.

I have been busy attending different programs, at this theater and this company.

I met with a woman at this amazing organization to get better understanding of how a large institution uses Social Media Marketing, and was incredibly impressed by their comprehensive marketing strategy.

And, and I working on awareness campaign recommendations for this organization.

Follow me on twitter here.

My schedule is going to become more regular soon enough, and will be working to post everyday again!

What are you up to for arts, nonprofits, with social media marketing?
Any new tools to share?

Hold please, City of Seattle podcasts local music makers while you wait

City of Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs is doing pretty innovative things... check this out from the latest newsletter:

City seeks music for phone lines, podcast

The Office is seeking a broad selection of locally-produced music for Seattle OnHold. This innovative program treats callers to local music when they call the city and are placed on hold. More than 10,000 city phone lines feature the music. OnHold also offers a free local music podcast. Listeners can buy music via iTunes, CD Baby and Amazon.com and link to featured musician's Web sites and concert calendars on the OnHold Web site.

To be considered in the next OnHold review cycle, submit an application by Jan. 27. For information on how to apply, visit the OnHold Web site. You can also suggest a band.

Get the podcast, and tell your friends. Or get friendly at the OnHold MySpace page.

Go city of Seattle! The city has actually embraced technology in some really neat ways, more to come- and I will start an events calendar soon!



Special SHOUT OUT to Picoso- awesome music, fun to dance to (and I grew up with the percussionist's wife- since 1st grade and lived with her in college- yeah Seattle's small, and friendship is long)!

Henry may be onto something

The Henry Art Gallery, a part of the pristine University of Washington campus has (as deduced from my not-so-scientific research) utilized the Internets in some pretty impressive ways, my most recent indulgence is Henry on YouTube, they have some ok videos and some pretty cool ones, and most importantly they are keeping it up to date. Check out the whole site here. Keep it up Henry!

A new year, again

I wonder what is to come for Seattle Arts Organizations this year, actually the arts everywhere. We are in the midst of tough economic times, but the organizations that make it use crisis as an opportunity. The trends I would like to see arts organizations adopt in the upcoming year are:

• Work together. Forge strategic partnerships with other organizations in your area. In November I saw an amazing, and controversial performance in one large performing arts venue, a week later I saw a performance by the same choreographer's protege. What a lost opportunity, for cross-pollinating audiences! As an audience member (at both) my experience could have been enriched, and an important relationship could have been cemented in two regional arts forums.

• Work cross-discipline. Know your neighbors and work together to engage your community. An art gallery and performance space can have some great cross-over.

• Use technology to engage new audiences. Most of the online tools are free- free for anyone to use, so why aren't you using them? Use them well, post often, use multi-media forms, let your audiences engage online without controlling content.

• Make your organizations community spaces. In economic hard times people are looking to connect with their community more, and our art spaces do have the unique opportunity to create that. Be open off hours, invite the community in and open the relationship.

• Engage volunteers and pay them handsomely with your appreciation and sense of belonging. Volunteers are your biggest fans- they can be your greatest resources too, and if you don't know something one of them certainly will.

• And finally, crisis is an opportunity. Use this time to really communicate with your patrons- they are worried too, so ramp up emails/newsletters and blogs.

Happy New Year!

Seattle Art Museum can lighten up, and other advice

PI Arts Reporter has some good advice for Seattle Art Museum, which comes off as a little uptight, especially in their pencil only rules.

My biggest pet peeve is the Olympic Sculpture park is their attendants (and imposing signage) to make sure no one touches the momentous steel, iron and rock pieces of public art. There has to be a way to avoid the graffiti and other destruction but also engage audiences with public art- some educational component that doesn't come off like a nasty librarian smashing knuckles with a ruler and saying shuuuuush repeatedly. I do believe we can live in a culture where everyday people know how to respect public art.

A great suggestion from the same article is for SAM to follow On the Boards in blogging, this would be even better combined with their 'My SAM Collection' feature. Imagine, amateur curators and art critics online everywhere (and gee, engaging with art while they are at it).

Seattle organizations granted funds for online audience development

The Wallace Foundation gave $7.7 million dollars to Washington state/ Seattle arts organizations; the award is specifically regarding youth, young adults and diverse populations audience outreach. One significant component of the outreach is expanding the online presence and access through technology. The organizations that will be leveraging technology to engage these audiences are:

• On the Boards will receive $750,000 over a four-year period to producing performances online and building audience through community building tools online.

• Pacific Northwest Ballet will receive $750,000 to create a new company website to share content to “reduce practical barriers to participation and broaden participation among young adults”. Streaming video is already a component of their site to promote shows, but this project will increase the quality and encourage participation.

• Seattle Art Museum will use part of their $750,000 grant over four years to build partnerships with other organizations and explore communication options, including social networking.

• And finally, the Seattle Opera received a $750,000 grant over four years to increase accessibility to the Opera through technology.

Seven Seattle organizations are the recipient of the award, I cannot wait to see what these groups come up with (here is hoping it isn't just videos online)!